As we mentioned, "Saved by the Bill" is based loosely on the attempt to get a similar bill passed by the Idaho legislature. Here's more about the real House Bill 261!

Note from sponsor

Representative Debbie Field, a Republican from Boise, was one of the sponsors of the real "reserved seating" bill. Here are some of her thoughts:

"The Idaho PTA contacted Representative Julie Ellsworth and me to ask whether we'd sponsor the first piece of legislation the group had ever presented to the Idaho legislature.

Their main concern was the safety of young people who may be pushed or crushed by those scrambling to find the best seat at a concert. Research had shown that several young people around the nation had been killed at concerts, and some had been injured at a recent concert in Boise.

The bill's intent was to increase safety at concerts by requiring reserved seating for indoor events of more than 2,000 people. There were exceptions in the bill for school or religious events.

Because I have three children and have been involved with their school activities, I was pleased to help support the Idaho PTA in this effort.

I have learned so much from sponsoring this and other pieces of legislation. This job is definitely the hardest that I've ever had but I've witnessed the power that individuals can have on our democratic process. I appreciate all the people who take the time to help us make our decisions."

Text of real bill

Testimony from the 1997 session about the real "reserved seating" bill

Hear from the Idaho PTA:

Hear from the executive director of the Boise State Pavilion:

Hear from a concerned young person:

Hear from a concert hall manager:

Hear from lawmakers on the committee:

Rep. Frank Bruneel (R-Lewiston)

Rep. Julie Ellsworth (R-Boise)

Rep. Wendy Jaquet (D-Ketchum)

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